Savoring it all

by Christina Randle

It’s my absolute favorite time of year. Spring in Austin only lasts a few weeks and then we move directly into summer. But while it’s here, it’s simply stunning. Cool nights, temperate days. The smell of mountain laurels, thrift’s bright pink blooms coming up from the ground, the peach blossoms and even the live oaks shedding their leaves. All sorts of colors and smells.

It’s also the best time for music. Austin is the host of two yearly music festivals; one of which happens during spring break. Between the burst of color and smells and the sound of the music that comes out of the doors of many clubs, on the streets and off the shores of Lady Bird Lake, it’s almost more excitement than I can stand – even as I’ve been here for a total of 13 years now.

As I drove home yesterday from the Hilton where I gave a speech to some 300 animal health professionals on this breezy and sunny afternoon, I am reminded of how much used to pass me by. I’d get so caught up in the business of the day or week or year that I would forget about spring, music and colors.

This is what makes life so rich. It’s taking the time to be fully present in the moment. To stop for just that moment or two and take it all in.

I realized that these moments are what give me the energy and the inner strength to go into an office building and sit behind a desk most days, going from meeting to meeting while in between reading email, taking calls, and checking things off my task list.